Derby County boss Wayne Rooney wants to sign Aden Flint this summer as he wants the veteran defender to spearhead the push for a return to the English Championship. The Rams were one of the three teams who suffered demotion to League One from the Championship this season. The other two teams wereBarnsley and Peterborough United. Derby County had enough points to stay in the Championship, but they were victims of the 21-point deduction handed out to the club for going into administration and also breaching EFL (English Football League) Financial Fair Play rules.

Flint has announced that he would be leaving English Championship side Cardiff City this summer after three seasons at the club and he could move to Derby County to continue his football career. Flint is one of several Cardiff City players out of contract at the club this summer as manager Steve Morison plans an overhaul at the club ahead of next season.

Wayne Rooney is keen to make Flint an important part of his Derby County squad next season as reported by media outlet Wales Online. Also, Flint is from Derbyshire and the interest from the Rams will afford him the opportunity to return to his roots. The target for Wayne Rooney and Derby County is an instant return to the English Championship.

The transfer plan at Derby County would be clearer once the club’s takeover has gone through. The Rams have been without an owner for some months.

Apart from Flint, Wayne Rooney is also interested in another experienced defender. It has been reported that Rooney wants former Manchester United teammate Phil Bardsley to join him at Derby County. They were together in the Manchester United team for several years. The 36-year-old would be a free agent this summer as he has a few weeks remaining on his Burnley contract at the moment.